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Karsten named first Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Professor at UNIBusiness

November 29, 2012

Contact:

Farzad Moussavi, dean, UNI College of Business Administration, 319-273-6240

Rebecca Schultze, communications and public relations manager, UNI College of Business Administration, 319-273-3309, rebecca.schultze@uni.edu

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Associate Professor of Management Information Systems Rex Karsten will hold the first Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Professorship at the University of Northern Iowa, a title that recognizes his solid academic credentials, practical experience in his field and ability to teach and connect with students

Karsten has a Ph. D. in management information systems from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research focuses on information systems pedagogy, information and communications technology literacy, computer self-efficacy, information systems professional-end user interaction and training.

Karsten holds the distinction of the only UNI College of Business Administration faculty member to have ever received all four college-level awards: Faculty Research Award, Faculty Service Award, Teaching Innovation Award and Outstanding Junior Faculty Award. He has published numerous journal articles and presented dozens of papers. He receives some of the highest teacher assessment scores in the college and dedicates many hours outside the classroom advising students on their professional interests.

"He is the epitome of what we look for in our faculty members," said UNIBusiness Dean Farzad Moussavi. "We cannot think of a more worthy candidate to hold the distinguished Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Professorship."

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company made a strong commitment to undergraduate education when it established this professorship, which will help the college attract and retain the best faculty in a competitive market. The Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Professor is selected by the college dean, in consultation with Nationwide, for a three-year term. The position may rotate among the five undergraduate business departments: accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing.

About Nationwide Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

About UNIBusiness

The University of Northern Iowa College of Business Administration (UNIBusiness) holds the highest possible accreditation for business schools worldwide (AACSB International) and has been listed among the Princeton Review's Best Business Schools in the world six years in a row. The college has built its reputation on its commitment to intellectual and professional development of undergraduate students. For more information, visit business.uni.edu.